Parks and the outdoors in Vancouver

Parks and the outdoors in Vancouver

1. DoKitsilano-Granville Island

   Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

   Annual summer Shakespeare festival held in tents. Each year there are two mainstage productions and two productions for the smaller stage. Even if you have tickets, plan to line up at least an hour before the show to get good seats. Many people will bring a picnic lunch/dinner (purchased at nearby Granville Island) to enjoy while they wait to be admitted.

   Jun-Sep·From $60

2. SeeWest End

   Brockton Point

   At the north-east tip of Stanley Park, Brockton Point affords stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore, and Burrard Inlet.

3. SeeCity Centre

   Canada Place

   Built for Expo 86 as Canada's exhibit, today the building serves as a cruise ship terminal and the eastern building of Vancouver Convention Centre. It is also the site of an IMAX theatre and the luxurious Pan Pacific Hotel. Walk around the unique sailed structure and take in views of the building itself, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore. It uses white colour with a roof of funky "sails" or "waves", which is a curved triangular shape, that has made it a modern gem.

4. SeeGastown-Chinatown

   Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

   A Ming-dynasty style garden in Chinatown. Built in 1986 by Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials, tools, and techniques, this was the first classical garden built outside China. The gardens combine traditional Chinese buildings, plants, a small lake, and curved footpaths to create the illusion of a very big place within a single block. Tours are available. Compared to the city park next door, the differences are quiet but profound: more interesting materials, richer vistas, greater serenity.

   Adult $10, senior $9, student $8

5. SeeGastown-Chinatown

   Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park

   Constructed by Vancouver-area designers at the same time as its classical garden neighbour, this public park shares the lake and the Chinese garden look. But this is a city park, and free to enter.

   Free

6. DoWest End

   English Bay Bike Rentals

   Offers top quality bikes at discounted prices including cruisers, city hybrids and tandem bikes in all sizes. Helmets and locks are complimentary with each rental. Children's bikes, training wheels, roller blades and dog trailers are also available. Convenient location offers easy access to the Stanley Park sea wall, Granville Island, False Creek and Science World. Call ahead to book for large groups at a discounted rate. Weekly and monthly rentals are available on request.

   Daily 8AM-9PM

7. BuyCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

   Farmers' Market at Trout Lake

   There are a few farmers markets that occur in Vancouver, but this is the first, and probably the best. It is only open on Saturday mornings and only in the summer and the last market day of the year is around Canadian Thanksgiving (early Oct).

8. DoSouth

   Fraser River Park

   This is a local secret that has spectacular views of the airport. One can watch the planes come and go across the river. This park is popular for dog lovers, as its secluded location is perfect for letting dogs roam free. The park is large enough to have a big field for picnics and games, while the riverfront area has its own beach, depending on the tides. At the edge of the park is an industrial park and a golf course.

9. EatYaletown-False Creek

   Fuse Pan-Asian Express

   合

   A fusion of several Asian cuisines, and a fusion of the virtues of prompt service and good food. Except for the grab-and-go items, everything is made to order with house-made sauces. There is a respectable vegetarian selection. Free parking, and an easy walk from Yaletown offices or the Roundhouse. Phone in advanced orders.

   Coffee & self-serve 9AM onward daily; Full menu Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM; Sat Sun Hols noon-6PM·Tapas, salads $3-7, stir-fried to order $8, Grilled items $6-12

10. SeeCity Centre

    Jack Poole Plaza

    Olympic Cauldron

    Brick-paved plaza with good views of the North Shore mountains, Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. It is also the home of the Olympic Cauldron.

11. DoUBC-Point Grey

    Jericho Beach

    Is a more family oriented sandy beach with a large picnicking area. The beach forms a crescent shape which creates a sheltered swimming area that is relatively shallow. In the summer, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards who monitor beach near the floating dock. Jericho Beach is also a great location to go windsurfing or dinghy sailing.

12. EatWest End

    Kintaro Ramen

    Authentic Japanese ramen shop. Often it's crowded and there's a lineup but it moves fast. Close to Stanley Park and the bike/roller-blade rental shops on the end of Denman St.

13. DoKitsilano-Granville Island

    Kitsilano Beach

    Kits Beach

    It's the sandy beach for the young to hang out and be seen at. Kits beach also features beach volleyball courts and a large public swimming pool. Popular in the summer, the salt water pool is 137.5 m in length and runs along the ocean's edge.

14. DoCity Centre

    Long Table Distillery Ltd.

    A craft distillery of vodkas, gins, and other spirits, many of which bubble in the back room. Free tastings are offered on a 14-foot recovered-tree "long table" in the front room. If your only experience of gin and vodka comes from uninspiring mass-market pap, you are in for a treat. The friendly staff love explaining the finer points of which aromatics go in which chamber of their gleaming, copper 300-litre still. On Friday evenings 4-6PM, they park a food truck out front and hold a gin and tonic happy hour. Follow the buzz at #TGIGNT on Twitter.

    Fri Sat 1-9PM, Wed Thu 1-6PM

15. SeeWest End

    Lost Lagoon

    The place in the park to see birds, including Canada Geese, white swans, and ducks. Walking around the lagoon is a relaxing 1.8 km along paths that travel mostly near the edge of the lagoon. Feeding wildlife is no longer allowed in the park.

16. SeeCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

    Momiji Garden

    Small Japanese garden built as an apology for Japanese internment.

    Free, except when the PNE is open during the second half of August

17. SeeCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

    New Brighton Park

    Good-sized park tucked on the shore of the Burrard Inlet between port facilities. It provides an interesting, grittier view of the North Shore mountains with the port facilities and Second Narrows Bridge in sight. Amenities include playing fields, a children's playground, a beach and a trail along the shore. There is also the New Brighton Pool, a heated outdoor pool that is usually open from the Victoria Day long weekend to Labour Day (late May to early Sept).

    The park is free, $3-6 for the pool

18. SeeUBC-Point Grey

    Nitobe Memorial Garden

    One of the most traditional, authentic Japanese gardens in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

    Daily from 9AM-5PM, mid-March to Oct·Youth $2, senior $5, adult $6

19. BuySouth

    Oakridge Park

    Oakridge Centre

    This medium-sized mall is anchored by Safeway. Shops range in sizes and are mainly on the chic side of fashion.

20. BuyCity Centre

    Pacific Centre

    Has more than 150 shops, restaurants and services if you want to walk in an underground shopping centre. The shopping centre begins at its north end at Robson Street, and stretches all the way to Pender Street. There are many floors in the mall depending on where you are, and notable merchants include Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Gap, H&M and Apple Store; the mall is connected to Vancouver Centre (a small mall mainly consisting of a lotto centre, London Drugs, and a food court underneath Scotiabank).

    Mon-Wed 10am-7pm, Thu-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10 am-7pm

21. DoUBC-Point Grey

    Pacific Spirit Regional Park

    A mostly inland park almost entirely covered with forests. It separates the University of British Columbia on the west from urban areas of Vancouver on the east. It has 55 km of hiking trails crossing through the park, of which around 30 km of trails that can be used for cycling and around 30 km can be used as equestrian trails. While It is a significantly larger park than Stanley Park, and is well used by those wanting a workout, do not expect to find any crowds like at Stanley Park.

22. DoCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

    Playland at the PNE

    Playland is a medium-sized amusement park, like something you may find at a U.S. county fair, and activities include a wooden rollercoaster, games, shows for kids and perhaps 20 or so other rides that spin, throw and hurl you in various ways.

    Open daily from late June through August and weekends only in May and September. Hours of operation are generally 10AM-6PM; during the PNE hours are from 11AM - late·$20 if under 4 feet, $30 otherwise. Parents of kids under 12 pay $13

23. SeeWest End

    Prospect Point

    At the north tip of Stanley Park, Prospect Point affords stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and First Narrows. There is a concession and bathrooms here, and sometimes you may spot a large contingent of raccoons begging for food. Please don't feed them.

24. SeeMt Pleasant-South Main

    Queen Elizabeth Park

    An old quarry that was converted into a number of gardens and ponds. The top of the park is the highest point in the city of Vancouver and offers views of the entire city.

    Free

25. EatWest End

    Samurai Japanese Restaurant

    Well known for having huge portions for small prices. It also has fresher sushi than some more expensive places. During meal times, it can be very difficult to get a seat. In the summer, it can be nice to get take out and walk down to Sunset Beach (4 blocks southwest on Thurlow, ~20 min). Be sure to try their toro (fatty tuna), and salmon sushi/sashimi. Stay away from their tuna sushi/sashimi because it tends to be too frozen. There are other locations at Cambie Street and 43rd Ave in South Vancouver, and on Fraser Street in East Van.

    until midnight·$10

26. EatSouth

    Samurai Sushi House

    Well known for having huge portions for small prices. It also has fresher sushi than some more expensive places. During meal times, it can be very difficult to get a seat. In the summer, it can be nice to get take out and walk down to Columbia Park (1 block east, ~5min). Be sure to try their toro (fatty tuna), and salmon sushi/sashimi. Stay away from their tuna sushi/sashimi because it tends to be too frozen. There is another location at 1108 Davie in the West End.

    until 9PM·$10

27. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Seasons in the Park

    If the weather is nice, this restaurant has one of the best views in the city since it is the highest point in Vancouver. Surprisingly, for a restaurant with this good a location, the food and service are excellent and the prices are reasonable. Try the rack of lamb and the stuffed mushrooms. Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin ate here when they had their 1994 summit in Vancouver.

    Lunch and dinner·Mains run from $17 to $34. Appetizers from $7 to $13

28. DoWest End

    Second Beach Pool

    A very large heated outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively you could swim at the beach or use the spray park near Lumberman's arch for no charge. There are lifeguards at both Second Beach and Third Beach.

    Adult $4.40, children $2.25 (family entry at child rate)

29. DoUBC-Point Grey

    Spanish Banks

    Is a set of three sandy beaches further west towards UBC. When the tide is out you can walk way out on the mudflats. This is a popular spot for skimboarders and kiteboarders. The area has a large stretch of beach which makes for a popular beach volleyball area as well as a scenic multi-pathway system, connecting Jericho Beach to UBC, making a fine running or cycling course. A large field behind the beach has been designated as an off-leash area for dogs and part of the beach as well.

30. DoWest End

    Spokes Bicycle Rentals

    Offers bike rentals and guided bike tours from a fantastic location on the doorstep of Stanley Park. Various styles of bikes for adults and children, plus helmets and locks. Weekly and monthly rates also available.

    Daily 8AM-9PM·Kids bikes starting at $4.75 an hour, Adult bikes starting at $8.57 an hour

31. DoWest End

    Stanley Park Pitch & Putt

    18-hole course set amid rhododendron gardens. Holes range in length from 40 - 100 yards.

    $12

32. SeeWest End

    Stanley Park Train

    Stanley Park Railway

    Who doesn't like to ride a miniature railway? At Christmas, there is a very popular light display for the miniature railway.

    4–10PM·Adults $7, less for seniors, children and youth (slightly higher during special events)

33. SeeCity Centre

    Telus Garden

    Glass office building with a distinct outside that contains 4 storey gardens.

34. DrinkYaletown-False Creek

    The London Public House

    Imported & craft beers, pub food, but it's not a great place to walk at night, as that section is not far removed from the worst areas of the Eastside.

    Sun-Thu 11AM-1AM, Fri Sat 11AM-2AM

35. DrinkWest End

    The Mill Marine Bistro

    The Mill

    Serves a variety of finger food, burgers, pizzas and salads with Guinness and some local brews on tap. It's a bit overpriced, but the patio (on the park looking at the harbour) is hard to beat.

    Daily 11AM-late·$6-11 drinks, $7-20 food

36. SeeUBC-Point Grey

    UBC Botanical Garden

    Canada's longest continuously operating university garden, it contains over 8000 different kinds of plants in both designed landscapes and coastal forest settings. Must-sees are the Asian garden, the alpine garden and the food garden. An enchanting oasis. Compared to the more-visited Van Dusen Botanical Garden, the remoteness of the garden means fewer people and a quieter, more private setting. Guided tours free with advance notice.

    10AM-6PM (5PM in winter)·$7 (discounts available), audioguide $3. Free for UBC students, and faculty, staff, or neighbours holding a Garden Pass

37. SeeWest End

    Vancouver Aquarium

    In Stanley Park near its eastern edge. Be sure to visit the Amazon River section for some truly unusual and extraordinary animals. The last weekend in April, there is a salmon release event where you can learn about the Aquarium's new salmon breeding program and get to release and name your own fish.

    Open 10AM-5PM, summer hours 9:30AM-6PM·Adult $38, senior/student/youth $30, child (4-12) $21

38. SeeCity Centre

    Vancouver Lookout

    Located on the top floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout offers a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from 130 m up. You'll see the downtown area, Stanley Park, the North Shore mountains and even the skyline of nearby Burnaby. The ticket is good for two trips during the day, so you can see it in the daytime and return for the sunset view.

    Winter: daily 9AM-9PM; summer: daily 8:30AM-10:30PM·$18.25, discounts for children, seniors and students available; best prices if bought at Tourism Vancouver office

39. SeeKitsilano-Granville Island

    Vanier Park

    Surrounds the Kits Peninsula, with trails for joggers and bikers paralleling it, and some green grass and trees. This unique location is famous as an ideal place flying kites and hosts a Kite Flying Festival every summer. Stunning views of English Bay, Stanley Park, and downtown.

40. SeeGastown-Chinatown

    Victory Square

    A small park covering one city block. It has the cenotaph commemorating the dead from World War I and is the site of Vancouver's Remembrance Day ceremonies.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Vancouver (CC BY-SA 4.0).